Pakistan Calling is a film platform set up by The Samosa and the RSA showing links between civil and cultural organisations, communities in Pakistan and the UK, exploring the many problems faced by Pakistan and supporting those working for social change in both countries. Please go to www.thesamosa.co.uk to find out more about our arts, education, media and social change work in both Britain and Pakistan.

October 15, 2016

Samiulla’s story

“Do not cry for your father because now it is you who has to be the responsible one.” These were the words spoken to Samiulla at his father’s funeral. In 2009, a bomb blast killed his father. In the blast 213 were injured and 137 killed and Samiulla was left to provide for his family.

As the oldest in the family, Samiulla spends his days running a store in the local market. He wakes up early and returns home late at night. He had to give up his dream of going to school.

Videographer Khurrum M Sultan captures this sad story, all too common in Pakistan. He hopes that by telling the story of Samiulla, children in the region will soon be able to live free from terror and fear. Global Survivors Network has more details on the victims and those left behind from the many bomb attacks on civilians, often targeting public servants in Pakistan.